Eternal | David Rossi

8

When everything was unpacked, it wasn't much but you could make it work. Hopefully, you could go home soon and forget about the whole ordeal.

You decided you'd take a shower and then go see Hotch and Rossi. So, grabbing a sweatshirt and pair of sweatpants, you went into the bathroom, shutting the door.

You turned on the shower, ecstatic to see it was one of those rainfall shower heads. You stepped into it, relishing in the warmth of the water.

The water cascaded down your back and you closed your eyes, embracing the peaceful sounds of 'rain.' You lathered up, washing your hair and body, getting clean.

When you were done, you pulled on the clothes you had set out, drying your hair in a towel. You stepped out of the bathroom, knowing you needed to talk with Hotch.

Bracing yourself, you left the comfort of the guest bedroom, traveling down the stairs. You were halfway down when hushed voices reached your ears. You followed the sound to the living room where Hotch and Rossi were sitting in opposite seats, both of them having a glass of scotch in hand.

You peeked around the corner nervously, Rossi spotting you, "Y/n." Hotch's head snapped towards yours, dark eyes landing on you.

You shuffled into the living room, "Hey." Rossi scooted over in his seat, urging you to sit by him- which you did.

Hotch set his drink down, his dark eyes still on you, "Y/n, I-"

"Wait." You said and he closed his mouth, "I need to apologize for not telling you. It wasn't right of me to withhold such information from you... I'm sorry, Hotch, really... I'm so sorry..."

Hotch's eyebrows furrowed, "Y/n, I'm not angry. I understand why you hid it. It's not something... anyone would like to talk about or share with their boss."

You swallowed thickly, looking away from his eyes. Rossi shuffled in his spot, feeling your anxiety.

Hotch leaned forward, "Y/n, we'll find him. He won't get away with it. Okay?"

You glanced up at him, "Hotch.. h-he always does... it's not worth it..."

Hotch frowned, "But you're worth it. What he did- a father should never do to his child." Your eyes welled with tears. He would say that. He was such a great dad, Jack was so lucky and on most days you envied the relationship between the two.

"Y/n, he won't get away with it." Rossi stated from beside you, his voice gruff.

"You can't- you don't know that... he always w-wins, he always has and he always will." You snapped, putting your face in your hands.

It was silent in the room. Both men were unsure of what to say and you were lost in your thoughts. Images of the past flowing through your head in flashes.

You looked at Hotch, he was still looking at you, a sadness in his eyes you hadn't ever seen before. He leaned forward, taking your shaking hands in his, steadying them.

His voice was gentle, "We'll make it right." Tears fell at his words. Wordlessly, you surged forward, letting him embrace you into a hug. A hug that was tight, full of love, full of 'I know your pain and I'll make it right.' 

He held you close, letting you cry into his shoulder. You only shed a few tears, you had none left to let drop. You were exhausted, physically and mentally.

You pulled away, his usually hard face now soft with emotion. "Strauss is giving us a week off. We're going to go over his whole life and we're going to find him."

You let out a choked laugh, him raising an eyebrow at you, "You're always so serious, Hotch." He frowned, "Thats what I love about you." He seemed to brighten a little.